Sonographer Pay

Cleveland vs Toledo: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Cleveland, OH and Toledo, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cleveland, OH
$86,609
$41.64/hr
Toledo, OH
$86,630
$41.65/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCleveland, OHToledo, OH
Median Salary$86,609$86,630
Hourly Rate$41.64$41.65
Entry Level (P10)$68,163$72,423
25th Percentile$84,101$82,958
75th Percentile$101,950$100,208
Top Earner (P90)$106,189$106,032
Total Employed710180
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cleveland ($86,609) and Toledo ($86,630) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.ClevelandToledoMedian Salary$86,609$86,630Entry Level (P10)$68,163$72,423Top Earner (P90)$106,189$106,032US Median $101,352

Verdict

Cleveland and Toledo are closely matched on overall diagnostic medical sonographer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Cleveland and Toledo is $21 (0.02%). Toledo's median is -14.53% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $38,026,Toledo spans $33,609. Cleveland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cleveland
P10 (Entry)$68,163
P25$84,101
Median$86,609
P75$101,950
P90 (Top)$106,189
Toledo
P10 (Entry)$72,423
P25$82,958
Median$86,630
P75$100,208
P90 (Top)$106,032

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Toledo ($94,724 effective) pays 2.72% more than Cleveland ($92,213 effective).

Cleveland
Nominal: $86,609
CoL Index: 93.923
Adjusted: $92,213
Toledo
Nominal: $86,630
CoL Index: 91.455
Adjusted: $94,724

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cleveland if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($106,189)
  • Larger job market (710 employed)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Toledo if…

  • Higher median salary ($86,630/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,724)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Cleveland grew 19.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.5% growth in Toledo over the same period.

Cleveland, OH

+19.2%

$69,260 (2019) → $82,540 (2025)

Toledo, OH

+36.5%

$60,500 (2019) → $82,560 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Cleveland or Toledo?

Toledo has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $86,630/year, compared to Cleveland at $86,609/year — a difference of $21 (0.02%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Toledo?

Cleveland diagnostic medical sonographers earn $41.64/hr while Toledo hygienists earn $41.65/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cleveland to Toledo as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cleveland and Toledo. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cleveland = $92,213, Toledo = $94,724), job availability (710 vs 180 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Cleveland vs Toledo?

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $68,163 in Cleveland and $72,423 in Toledo. The Toledo area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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Written by Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT

Career Analyst

Aisha has over 10 years of experience in abdominal sonography. She works at a regional hospital. Aisha also conducts training for new sonographers.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RDMS, RTData verified by Maria Gonzalez, ARDMS, RVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT, a licensed diagnostic medical sonographer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov